Ireland lose 42-15 to England in Under 20 Rugby World Cup semi-final

Mike Ruddock's squad exit at the hands of England in New Zealand.

Ireland's Junior World Cup hopes are over after England inflicted a heavy 27-point defeat on them this morning. In North Harbour in New Zealand, Ireland went behind early, via a Harry Sloan try and it was 20 minutes before Ireland got on the scoreboard, via the boot of Leinster's Ross Byrne. England were ruthless in the first half and they made the most of their domination, running in four first half tries to lead 34-3 at the break. The second half was better for Ireland and centre Gary Ringrose, a Blackrock man wearing 13 (where have we seen that before?) scored a try for the boys in green to narrow the gap early on. Alex Wootton also crossed the line in the second half, finishing a fine move, to mean ireland won the second half but the damage was already done.

The anthems as the sun sets at@QBEStadium! #JWC2014 #ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/THtxRCZtjf — irbjuniors (@irbjuniors) June 15, 2014

South Africa play New Zealand in the other semi, with loser playing Ireland in the third-place play-off on Friday. Whatever happens, this is already Ireland's best ever showing at this age grade, so the future looks bright for Irish rugby.